Lakers’ Steve Nash has no plans to retire

Exactly a year ago, the Lakers hired Mike D’Antoni as head coach, and he soon gushed about providing a sequel to Showtime. Steve Nash would replicate the offensive magic he produced well enough for D’Antoni and the Phoenix Suns to earn two NBA most valuable player awards.

One problem emerged.

Nash stayed sidelined for seven weeks after fracturing his left leg. Hamstring and back issues then kept him out for eight more contests, including two playoff games.

The narrative might repeat itself. The Lakers expect Nash to stay absent for at least two weeks because of persistent nerve issues in his back. Nash, who turns 40 in February, is owed $9.3 million this year and $9.7 million next year in what would mark his 19th NBA season. The Lakers could waive him via the so-called “stretch provision” to spread out his remaining salary over the next three years to reduce the team’s salary cap. But the 39-year-old Nash indicated he has no plans to retire.

“It’s never come up. Why would that come up?” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in an interview with this newspaper. “He’ll be back playing. We’re real early in the season.”

Kupchak also he said doesn’t feel he needs to bolster the team’s backcourt despite Nash’s absence and Kobe Bryant still healing from his left Achlles’ tendon surgery. The Lakers’ 116-95 victory Tuesday over the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center featured Jodie Meeks starting at shooting guard (15 points), Steve Blake starting at point guard (10 assists) and Jordan Farmar playing a reserve role (nine points, eight assists).

“With Steve being out these two weeks, I think we’re fine at that position,” Kupchak said.

The Lakers acquired Nash during the 2012 off-season by trading two first-round picks (2013, 2015) and two second-round picks (2013, 2014) to Phoenix, a move Kupchak originally termed a “home run” for obvious reasons. Nash has climbed to fourth place on the NBA’s all-time leaders in assists and appears a sure lock for the Hall of Fame. Still, the Lakers have struck out with Nash, who has averaged 6.7 points on on 26.1 percent shooting and 4.8 assists in 22.5 minutes while also sitting out two games on the second night of back-to-backs.

”He’s going to try to get ready and try to play,” D’Antoni said. “If anybody has followed basketball the last 10 years, you would know he is one of the best in the game and the best ambassador of the game.

“If that doesn’t build you equity, so be it. Then you don’t follow sports.”

In a brief interview with this newspaper, Nash described the epidural shot he received Tuesday to reduce inflammation in his nerves as “standard.” He also received three epidural shots last season, although the impact was minimal. He won’t travel with the team today when the Lakers (4-5) visit Denver (2-4) and will rest for what he called “a couple days” before beginning his rehab. Nash said that process initially will focus on improving his core strength, considering his various nerve ailments in his left hamstring and left leg contributed to his back pain.

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Nash also has dealt with ailments in his left ankle, neck and quadricep muscles.

“He’s only 6-3 and one of the best screen setters in the league,” D’Antoni said. “He battles every second. He gets hit, knocked around and he’s always battling something. His back has never been good. He’s in the middle of a remarkable career.

“I’m just happy I’ve been able to coach him.”

Even during the past two seasons as Nash has fought persistent injuries.

“It’s been a challenge, but I’m not going to sit here and cry,” D’Antoni said. “Steve is the one that’s frustrated. He wants to contribute and hasn’t been able to.

“He comes back and keeps doing things I don’t know if I would have the mental toughness to do. He gets ready. You see the passion he has and hopes it works out for him.”